REALMS (RIMROCK EXPEDITIONARY ALTERNATIVE LEARNING MIDDLE SC

REALMS (Rimrock Expeditionary Alternative Learning Middle Sc is a public middle school that is part of the Bend-LaPine Administrative SD 1 school district, located in Bend, OR with about 153 students offering grade levels from 6th Grade to 8th Grade. With about 9 teachers, REALMS (Rimrock Expeditionary Alternative Learning Middle Sc has a student/teacher ratio of about 17:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

REALMS (Rimrock Expeditionary Alternative Learning Middle School) is a public charter middle school located in Bend, Oregon, that operates on the EL Education (Expeditionary Learning) model. The school distinguishes itself from traditional middle schools by emphasizing a project-based, "hands-on" curriculum that connects classroom learning to real-world applications. Students participate in long-term "expeditions" that integrate multiple subjects—such as science, history, and language arts—around a central theme, often involving fieldwork, community service, and expert collaboration. This approach is designed to foster critical thinking, academic rigor, and a deeper sense of student engagement.

Beyond its academic structure, REALMS places a strong emphasis on character development and community culture. The school is known for its small-school environment, where the culture is built on the pillars of "Crew"—a defining EL Education concept where students are organized into small groups led by an advisor to promote social-emotional growth, mentorship, and personal accountability. By prioritizing mastery of skills, ethical character, and high-quality student work, REALMS seeks to prepare students not just for high school, but to be active, empathetic, and effective contributors to their community.

For more information, contact REALMS (Rimrock Expeditionary Alternative Learning Middle Sc at (541) 322-5323 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.